

Class_ _ _ 

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ILLUSTRATED 
TRAFFIC LAWS 


Manual for Motorists 
How to Keep Out of Traffic Court 

SERIES 1924 



By Lieut. Andrew J. Thompson 
w 

Published by 

THOMPSON-BROGAN COMPANY 
YONKERS,’* N. Y. 

PRICE ONE DOLLAR 


Copyrighted by 

THOMPSON - BROGAN COMPANY 








LIEUT. ANDREW d. THOMPSON 





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(Ctjamhms nf Saattr? nf tlj? Cfimtrt 

Ninth 31 uhtrial listrirt 

ODaamtiui. N. 


FRANK L, YOUNG 
JUSTICE 


April 19th, 1924 


Lieut. Andrew J. Thompson, 

Yonkers, New York. 

My Dear Lieutenants 

It appears to me that you are planning a 
very comprehensive and clear statement of the 
law relative to the use of the automobile in the 
public streets, in the booklet of which I have ex~ 
amined the text. 

I congratulate you upon your work, for I 
know it will be immensely useful to the drivers 
of autos. 


Very respectfully yours, 



(Cmtutii of inmtrliriitrr 


(Emtrt Hxutar 


M)itf f lain*. N. f. 


WILLIAM F. BLEAKLEY 

County Judge 


April 28th, 1924 

Andrew J. Thompson, Esq. 

Lieut, of Police, 

Yonkers, N. Y. 

My Dear Lieutenant:- 

I have read with considerable interest your 
work on Traffic Regulation. It is a clear concise 
statement of the law. The statutes are so illus¬ 
trated that a layman may readily understand 
them. 

A general reading of your book will innure 
to the benefit of both drivers and pedestrians. 


Very sincerely yours, 



4 


(Citjl iHaqiHtratni' ffimtrt 


City of IJnrk 


NORMAN J. MARSH 

City Magistrate 


301 Mott Street, 
April 11th 1924. 


Lieut. Andrew ]. Thompson, 

Traffic Division, 

Yonkers, New York. 

My Dear Lieutenants 

Your book will prove of great value to 
motorist not only in New York State but through' 
out the country. 

The automobile is a new machine; a danger 
ous machine; and it is here to stay. The solution 
of the traffic problem which it has produced lies, 
I believe, in the education of the public quite 
as much as in the condemnation of reckless or 
stupid drivers. 

There is need of greater care and skill on 
the part of those who drive cars, but the public 
must learn that the streets and highways can no 
longer be used as playgrounds for children, nor 
used by any one at any time without the most 
constant vigilance. 

If the spirit of “fair play and half the road” 
were exhibited by all who use the highways either 
in cars, horse'drawn vehicles or on foot, much of 
the difficulty would disappear at once. 


Cordially yours, 



5 



(liftin' of tljr ffittit 3ftt&0? 

Hmuripal Huiltomt 
Umtkrrs, N. fL 

CHARLES W. BOOTE 

CITY JUDGE 

Yonkers, N. Y., April 14th, 1924 

Lieut. Andrew J. Thompson, 

Commander of Traffic Division, 

Yonkers Police Department, 

My Dear Lieutenant:' 

I have read the manuscript of your book, 
“Illustrated Traffic Laws,” and I am sure it will 
be of great value to all who read it with reason¬ 
able attention. 

It is a fact that most people charged with 
automobile violations offend, chiefly, because they 
believe that the regulation they break is of little 
seriousness. 

Anyone who can convince automobile driv¬ 
ers that it is as important for them to observe all 
the traffic regulations and rules of the road, as it 
is for a railroad engineer to observe and to obey 
signals, will do a great service to the automobile 
driver himself and a greater one to the rest of 
the community. 

I thank you for submitting the manuscript 
to me, and congratulate you upon the clearness 
with which you explain the law. I trust that the 
book will be read by a great many automobile 
drivers. 

Very truly yours, 

OL. 4 


6 



fflnurt nf ^>pmal 

(Enrnrr nf Wnaimtarb aiffi Mrlls Aurttur 
(Uitit nf ^nuhrrn, N. 


DAVID GORFINKEL 
acting City Judge 


April 21st, 1924. 


Lieut. Andrew ]. Thompson, 

Commanding Traffic Division, 

Yonkers, N. Y. 

Dear Lieutenant:- 

I have examined your book entitled “Illus¬ 
trated Traffic Laws” and I was very much im¬ 
pressed by it. With the constant increase in our 
automobile traffic the situation is becoming more 
of a problem every day. 

Every automobile driver should know the 
traffic laws and the various rules of traffic. 

The book presents the law in a very concise 
way and the illustrations therein are most in- 
structive. I would advise every automobile 
driver to read this book. 

I wish you every success in your undertaking. 


Cordially yours, 



Acting City Judge of Yonkers. 

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PREFACE 


The constant increase of automobile 
traffic is making the problem of its regu¬ 
lation a most difficult one. It is becom¬ 
ing more difficult to distinguish between 
the rights of the motorist and the pedes¬ 
trian. In many cases the laws seeking 
to regulate traffic are drafted in such a 
manner that they are not readily under¬ 
stood by the average person, the language 
of these laws permitting of different in¬ 
terpretations. 

It is with the idea of clarifying and 
classifying the laws affecting automobile 
traffic that I have been led to prepare 
this book, in the hope that it may prove 
of value to the motorist and the pedes¬ 
trian. I have sought to make the lan¬ 
guage of the different laws clearer and 
more easily understood. For this pur¬ 
pose I have prepared some simple il¬ 
lustrations. 

My experience as the commanding offi¬ 
cer of a Traffic Division has taught me 
that there are a surprisingly large number 
of drivers and operators who appear to 
be almost entirely unfamiliar with the 
laws for the regulation of traffic, though 
these laws are cotnmon to every section 
of the country. 

Many persons find themselves in diffi¬ 
culties and in conflict with the authorities 


9 


simply because of their ignorance of some 
of the most ordinary traffic laws, or 
through their failure to properly under¬ 
stand such laws, in consequence they 
are haled to court and are compelled to 
undergo much personal annoyance, to say 
nothing of loss of time and money. 

As everybody knows it is the duty of 
the local authorities to do all that may 
be possibly done to prevent violations of 
the law, and that an educational cam¬ 
paign to teach people to comply with 
these laws is greatly needed. I believe 
that such a campaign properly carried 
out would have a wonderful effect in the 
prevention of many accidents. 

My object in the compilation of this 
booklet, is to cooperate in such a cam¬ 
paign of education. I propose to select 
for consideration some of the most im¬ 
portant of our general regulations for 
street traffic, particularly those which my 
experience teaches me are the most com¬ 
monly violated. I plan to illustrate such 
laws so that people may more readily 
understand them. 

Few persons have any adequate idea 
of the greatness of this traffic problem 
and the difficulties with which local au¬ 
thorities are confronted, in order to pro¬ 
tect life and property on our streets. 

At this particular point I will submit 
some data as to the automobile situation 


10 


which exists in New York State. The 
registration of automobiles in this state 
is in excess of One Million cars and is 
increasing annually at the rate of ap¬ 
proximately twenty per cent. 

Such statistics must convince the most 
casual observer that some means to more 
adequately regulate traffic is imperatively 
needed, that the number of accidents may 
be materially lessened and our streets 
made more safe for pedestrians as well 
as motorists. 

There are a great many persons oper¬ 
ating automobiles who are always careful 
and respect all traffic laws, and to this 
class of drivers much credit is due for 
their assistance to traffic divisions in 
holding accidents to a minimum. 

On the other hand there is the un¬ 
scrupulous driver to contend with, who 
has no respect for laws or regulations, 
and to this type of driver is due in a 
great measure many of our accidents, and 
he is not only a source of trouble to the 
traffic officer but a menace to the careful 
driver and the pedestrian. 

There are drivers, who. when charged 
by an officer with an infraction of the 
law. will immediately start an argument 
and threaten the officer for attempting 
to do his duty, and there are other drivers 
who are always ready to commend the 
officer for conscientiously performing 


11 


his duty even though he (the driver) 
may be the direct cause of such infraction. 

It may be well for drivers to remember 
that a pleasant word will go much further 
and generally bring better results than 
the methods adopted by the argumenta¬ 
tive driver. It is not good policy to ar¬ 
gue with a traffic officer or criticize his 
actions. He is vested with the power to 
enforce the laws and his work requires 
him to do so. His duties are of a very 
trying as well as a hazardous nature, re¬ 
quiring alertness and an aptitude to use 
his head in an emergency. Prone at 
times to be irritable and cross, owing to 
the long hours he is compelled to stand 
in the same place, inhaling dust and fumes 
from passing automobiles, the terrific heat 
in summer, the severe cold and snows in 
winter, besides many other inconveniences 
he is subjected to. His work is full of 
danger and it is not uncommon to hear 
of traffic officers being killed outright 
or receiving injuries, incapacitating them 
for the rest of their lives. 

Especially is this so of the motorcycle 
officer, who is compelled to chase the 
reckless speeder, maintaining -at times a 
speed of from fifty to seventy miles an 
hour. 

It is not my intention to offer excuses 
nor to defend the traffic officer, nor 
is it to criticize the driver or operator. 

12 


My object is to try and create a more 
harmonious spirit between the traffic offi¬ 
cer and the driver, as such a spirit is con¬ 
ducive to better results. It will help to 
lighten the burdens of the traffic officer 
and will very materially help the driver 
who consciously or unconsciously violates 
some traffic regulation. 

My object is to do everything in my 
power to reduce traffic violations and 
accidents to a minimum, to help the law 
respecting, though unintentional law vio¬ 
lating driver, to offer advice to those 
drivers, operators and motorists on how 
to more thoroughly familiarize themselves 
with the traffic laws and their interpre¬ 
tations, that necessary reverence and re¬ 
spect for the law shall tend, in a great 
measure, to help keep the driver and 
motorist out of Traffic Court. 

On the following pages will be found 
many sections of the various General 
Laws, concisely explained by diagram and 
general description, which I am sure will 
not only prove of inestimable value but 
shall be found to be very instructive and 
interesting. 


13 






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14 









































































SECTION OF LAW 

A vehicle turning to the left into another street, 
shall, before turning, pass to the right of and beyond 
the center of the intersecting streets; provided, however, 
that if directed by a traffic officer the vehicle shall pass 
in front of instead of around the point of intersection. 


EXPLANATION 

The law as quoted on the preceding page 
means, that the driver of a vehicle shall keep 
to the right of, and beyond the center of the 
intersecting street as is, shown on the dia¬ 
gram. Hardly any further comment is 
necessary in the explanation of this section 
as it is quite evident by the words as quoted 
what is intended. Of course it is under¬ 
stood that where a traffic officer is stationed 
he can direct traffic to pass to the front of 
him, instead of to the rear, for in this way 
he is better able to control the traffic and 
at the same time he is in a position to better 
observe the movement of all vehicles. 

It must also be understood that at all 
points where there are no traffic officers 
stationed all traffic must move as shown in 
diagram. Short cutting corners is a very 
bad practice and numerous accidents are 
caused through carelessness of this kind. 

See drawing on page 76 and note how 
easily accidents may occur from this practice. 


15 


SECTION OF LAW 

A vehicle turning into another street to the right shall 
turn the corner as near the right-hand curb as 
practicable. 

EXPLANATION 

The law as quoted here and shown by 
diagram, for right-hand turn means, that all 
vehicles making turns to the right into 
another street shall keep as close to the curb 
as possible. Accidents happen quite fre¬ 
quently to some drivers not properly followi- 
ing out this regulation. 

See perspective drawing on page 75, also 
diagram on page 80, showing distances as 
laid out around corners for apprehending 
speed violators. 


16 






















SECTION OF LAW 

In turning a corner of intersecting streets a vehicle 
shall be driven with extreme caution and under control. 


EXPLANATION 

It is so self-evident as to what is intended 
in this section quoted, that it is unnecessary 
to go into details, other than to say: all 
vehicles turning corners shall proceed at a 
rate of speed of not more than eight miles 
per hour. Traveling at the rate of eight 
miles per hour or less, will answer to the 
requirements as stated in the law, “with 
extreme caution.” 


17 

























SECTION OF LAW 

Every driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection 
of a street or public road shall grant the right of way 
at. such intersection to any vehicle approaching from 
his right; provided, that wherever traffic officers are 
stationed they shall have full power to regulate traffic. 

EXPLANATION 

In explaining the foregoing section it 
might be well to quote a decision by a 
Supreme Court as follows: “Every driver 
of a vehicle approaching the intersection of 


18 
























a street or public road shall grant the right 
of way at such intersection to any vehicle 
approaching from his right, ‘the words’, 
‘grant the right of way’, meaning that at 
such a crossing the driver of one vehicle has 
an affirmative duty to keep out of the other’s 
way. This requires him to slow, stop, and 
if need be, reverse, if otherwise, the cross¬ 
ing vehicles are likely to come into contact. 

“The rule that the right of way must be 
granted to one approaching from the right 
is not absolute. Consideration must be given 
to the relative distances and speeds. When 
the one approaching from the left has 
reasonable grounds to believe that if he pur¬ 
sues his course a collision will ensue, then 
he must give way. 

“This section of law is for regulation 
where traffic officers are not stationed. It 
does not mean that the driver having the 
right of way may heedlessly cross the inter¬ 
secting street without giving any attention 
to vehicles approaching the intersection. 
Where a driver having the right of way at 
the intersection of a street, continues, with¬ 
out looking to his left and was struck with 
another vehicle which was coming from that 
direction and which he could have seen if he 
had looked, he would be properly charged 
with negligence.” 

Study diagram carefully and note that all 
vehicles approaching on the right have the 
right of way. 


19 


SECTION OF LAW 

A vehicle passing around a circle shall keep to the 
right from entrance to exit. 

EXPLANATION 

Where rotary traffic is required it is 
always intended that the vehicle shall keep, 
from entrance to exit, to the right of any 
parkway or standards which are placed for 
the regulation of rotary traffic at those 
points. 


20 
























Any vehicle when stopped parallel to the curb shall 
stop as near to the curb as practicable, with wheels, 
both front and rear, not more than six inches from the 
curb. 


EXPLANATION 

This section is very important and is fre¬ 
quently violated. The language is very clear. 
The object of the law is to allow vehicles to 
stop parallel with the curb as shown in the 
diagram, with both wheels, front and rear, 
six inches or less from the curb. 


21 


















SECTION OF LAW 


Vehicles turning around or crossing from one side of 
the street to another, except for the purpose of passing 
other vehicles or because of dangers in the streets, shall 
do so by turning to the left so as to head in the gen¬ 
eral direction of traffic after they have crossed the 
street. 


EXPLANATION 

This section of law is confusing to the 
average person, but the following illustration 
should give a very good idea as to what is 
intended. On streets where traffic is heavy, 
turns should be always made at intersecting 
streets and not in the middle of the block; 
in other words, all turns should be made as 
shown in the diagram, thereby eliminating 
the backing of the car, causing obstruction 
to traffic. 

The law is also intended to prevent irregu¬ 
lar turning of vehicles from one side of the 
street to the other. 









SECTION OF LAW 

When in the performance of duty the following vehi¬ 
cles shall have the right of way: United States mail, 
police, fire, fire patrol, bureau of buildings, emergency 
repair of public service corporations, ambulances and 
the military; but this shall not relieve the driver or 
owner of any such vehiclei from consequences of the 
arbitrary or careless exercise of this right for injuries 
inflicted. 

EXPLANATION 

In reference to this section which gives 
the right of way to such vehicles as the 
United States mail, etc., when in the per¬ 
formance of their duty, all drivers of such 
vehicles must exercise proper care for the 
protection of life an*d property, and careless¬ 
ness on their part will not relieve them of 
any responsibility. 


23 










































SECTION OF LAW 

A vehicle in overtaking or meeting a street surface 
car which has been stopped for the purpose of receiving 
or discharging a passenger or passengers, shall not pass 
or approach within seven feet of such car so long as 
such car is receiving or discharging passengers, except 
that in a city having a million or more population such 
vehicle shall not pass or approach within eight feet of 
such car except as indicated by a safety zone. In 
passing any street surface car extreme care must be 
used by the driver. 

EXPLANATION 

In taking up this section it might be well 
to go somewhat into detail so as to make the 
section thoroughly understood. By the word 
“overtaking” is meant approaching from the 
rear. A vehicle overtaking a street surface 


24 































car which has been stopped for the purpose 
of receiving or discharging- passengers, must 
keep at all times at least seven feet away 
from such car, but if there is sufficient room 
in the street to allow seven feet between the 
street surface car and the vehicle, then such 
vehicle need not come to a full stop but may 
pass such street surface car, as shown on the 
diagram, but with extreme caution. 

There is also an interpretation placed on 
the word “meeting.” We will assume that 
a street surface car is stopped to discharge 
or take on passengers and there is a vehicle 
approaching from the opposite direction. It 
is the duty of the driver of such vehicle in 
passing, to pass not less than seven feet 
from the car. The idea is to prevent an 
accident to a person crossing the street di¬ 
rectly in the rear of said car, such person 
being given an opportunity to observe any 
approaching vehicles. 

The regulation of seven feet is generally 
in force throughout the country but there 
are some cities which have adopted or¬ 
dinances specifying eight feet as the dis¬ 
tance, therefore, it is well for drivers to 
familiarize themselves with local conditions, 
or play safe and adopt the eight foot 
regulation. 


25 








I 


\ 







26 























































































SECTION OF LAW 


On an avenue, street or boulevard divided longitudi¬ 
nally by a parkway, walk, space for street surface cars, 
viaduct, zone of safety, cabstand, parking space or other 
similar obstructions, vehicles shall keep to the right of 
such division. 


EXPLANATION 

The section as quoted here is given in lan¬ 
guage that is clear and easy to understand, 
but a few comments may not be amiss. It 
is generally understood by all drivers that 
they are to keep to the right of all streets 
and boulevards divided longitudinally by a 
parkway, walk, viaduct, etc., or in other 
words, a street or boulevard with a parkway, 
walk, viaduct, etc., dividing or running 
through the center and parallel with the 
curb as shown in the diagram. 

It is also meant by this section that driv¬ 
ers of vehicles shall keep to the right of 
the center of any street surface car tracks 
and shall under no circumstances attempt 
to pass a street surface car, either moving 
or stationary on the left side of the street. 


27 



A vehicle must not he so driven as to impede or 
obstruct the progress of the apparatus of the fire de¬ 
partment or any official or employee of a city, town or 
village in the discharge of his duty at a fire. The 
driver of a vehicle must not drive through or within 
the established lire lines or over a line of lire hose. 
On the approach of hre apparatus, as evidenced by suit¬ 
able and continuous warning or by street signals op¬ 
erated from hre headquarters, visible or audible one to 
another, indicating the route of the apparatus, the driver 
of a vehicle must immediately draw up such vehicle 
as near as practicable to the right-hand curb and paral¬ 
lel thereto, and bring it to a standstill , and the driver 
of a street car must immediately stop his car and keep 
if stationary until the apparatus has passed. 


SECTION OF LAW 




























EXPLANATION 


As illustrated, this section prohibits ob¬ 
structing the progress of a fire apparatus. 
It should be understood that on the approach 
of any fire apparatus it is not only the duty 
of a driver of a vehicle to stop his car but 
he must immediately draw up as close to the 
curb as possible and remain there until such 
time as all fire apparatus has passed 
through, or until he is notified by a police 
officer that he may proceed. It often hap¬ 
pens that some driver, instead of following 
this regulation and pulling into the curb is 
more interested in where the fire is, and im¬ 
mediately starts in pursuit of the first engine 
to come along without waiting to find out if 
there are other engines following. 

This is a very serious violation and should 
by all means be stopped as it often results 
in serious interference with the fire depart¬ 
ment, endangering life and property. 

The rest of the regulation is very explicit 
m its wording, requiring drivers to respect 
all fire lines and under no circumstances 
drive over a fire hose. 


29 
































































































SECTION OF LAW 


The driver of an overtaking vehicle shall signal his 
desire to pass an overtaken vehicle by a blast or stroke 
of the horn or other signaling device, and thereupon it 
shall be the duty of the overtaken \vehicle, if possible, 
to turn to the right so as to allow the overtaking vehi¬ 
cle a reasonable space in which to pass, or to warn 
by signal the impossibility of such passage. 


EXPLANATION 

In this section it might be well to distin¬ 
guish the difference between the “overtak¬ 
ing” and the “overtaken” vehicles. In the 
diagram as shown we shall illustrate by call¬ 
ing the overtaken vehicle the forward car. 
and the overtaking vehicle the rear car. In 
the case of two cars traveling in the same 
direction the forward car may maintain its 
position on the highway, if there is sufficient 
space on the left to enable the rear car to 
conveniently pass. If, on the other hand, 
the position of the forward car does not leave 
such room for passage, then it must, upon 
proper signal from the rear car, if practical 
and safe, turn to the right to leave room for 
passage. If at the same time there is not 
sufficient room for the forward car to do 
this, it is the duty of the driver of the rear 
car to wait until a place is reached where he 
may safely pass. 


31 



No vehicle and no street surface car, except as pro¬ 
vided in subdivision one of this section, shall be driven 
through a procession, except with the permission or by 
order of a police officer. If the procession takes more 
than five minutes to pass, it shall be broken and traffic 
allowed to go through. 

EXPLANATION 

This section illustrated by diagram pro¬ 
vides that under no circumstances, shall any 
vehicle drive through a funeral procession, 
parade, cortege of cars, etc., without permis¬ 
sion from a police officer. 


32 














































SECTION OF LAW 

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a vehicle 
within a safety zone. 


EXPLANATION 

In this particular section and as shown in 
diagram it should be understood, that under 
no circumstances shall a driver of a vehicle 
pass through a safety zone. Safety zones of 
this type are provided for the protection of 
persons who wish to board or leave a street 
surface car, and at the same time allow traf¬ 
fic to proceed without any unnecessary in¬ 
terruption. 


33 



























SECTION OF LAW 

Except in an emergency or when advised to do so 
by a police officer, no vehicle shall be stopped or left 
standing within the intersection of any cross street; 
within ten feet of any crosswalk or street crossing or 
alley corner, except where traffic officers are on duty; 
within ten feet of any tire hydrant unless the vehicle 
is actually in charge of some person capable of driving 
it; in such position as to prevent another vehicle al¬ 
ready stopped near the curb from moving away; in 
front of or within fifteen feet of either side of the 
entrance to any theatre, auditorium, or other building 
where large assemblages of persons are being held, 
except to take on or to discharge passengers or freight 
and then only for such length of time as is necessary 
for such purpose; in any portion of any street where 
street surface cars stop to receive or discharge pas¬ 
sengers, except as otherwise provided. 

34 









































EXPLANATION 


A great many drivers are at a loss to under¬ 
stand under what conditions they may leave 
their vehicles without committing a violation 
of law. I shall try to illustrate on the dia¬ 
gram by numbers some of the conditions un¬ 
der which this section is violated, and to 
simplify the wording so that it may be un¬ 
derstood at a glance. 

No. 1. Never leave your car standing in any 
cross street. 

No. 2. Always keep ten feet away from a 
cross walk. 

No. 3. Always keep ten feet away from a 
tire hydrant, unless the vehicle is in 
charge of a person who can drive it. 

No. 4. Always keep fifteen feet away from 
the entrance to any theatre. 

No. 5. Never leave your car standing in any 
portion of a street where surface 
cars stop. 

No. 6. Never leave your car standing in 
such a position as to prevent an¬ 
other car already stopped at the 
curb from moving away. 

Follow these rules for your guidance in 
parking of cars. In some localities, ordi¬ 
nances are in effect prohibiting parking of 
vehicles in front of theatres and public 
buildings. 


35 


I 

































SECTION OF LAW 


In all passing and overtaking such assistance shall be 
given by the occupants of each vehicle respectively to 
the other as the circumstances shall demand and either 
request by voice or signal, and each shall exercise care 
and caution to get clearance and avoid accident. 


EXPLANATION 

Much might be said in relation to what 
is termed “the courtesies of the road”*. 
There is one important thing that may be 
said relative to this section. There is en¬ 
tirely too much taken “for granted” when 
passing or overtaking a vehicle and not 
enough attention paid to the laws of the road 
to give proper signals and assistance to occu¬ 
pants of other vehicles as to their intention 
to turn, slow down, pass to the left, etc. 

The general impression that should be con¬ 
veyed by this section is the importance of 
drivers at all times signifying their inten¬ 
tions by proper signals. 


37 






SECTION OF LAW 

No motor vehicle shall be operated in such a way as 
to emit unnecessary smoke or unnecessary offensive 
vapors within the streets of any city, town or village. 


EXPLANATION 

It should be quite unnecessary to comment 
on this section of law, except to say that 
it is often unconsciously violated, but this 
does not relieve the driver, neither does it 
excuse him for the violation of any infraction 
of the law. 


38 























SECTION OF LAW 

When a vehicle stands on a steep incline it shall be 
so placed that when the brake is released it will run 
into the curb. 


EXPLANATION 

There is little that might be said in ex¬ 
planation of this section, other than the law 
requires all vehicles on a hill or incline to be 
so placed, that when the brakes are released 
it will run into the curb. It sometimes hap¬ 
pens that when a driver leaves his car on 
an incline, without the wheels turned to the 
curb accidents occur, through some person 
tampering with the brakes. 

39 



























40 












































SECTION OF LAW 

A vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass on 
the left side of the overtaken vehicle and not pull over 
to the right thereof until entirely clear of it. 

EXPLANATION 

The diagram as shown here gives a clear 
illustration as to what is intended in this sec¬ 
tion. If two cars are traveling in the same 
direction and the rear car wishes to pass the 
other, the driver should by proper signal, 
notify the other driver of his intention to 
do so and in passing said car he should pass 
to the left and not cross over until he is 
entirely clear of the other car. It is a bad 
practice to cross over too short and in a case 
of this kind the driver should make sure 
there is sufficient room to properly cross be¬ 
fore attempting it. 


41 





SECTION OF LAW 

No vehicle shall emerge from an alley, stable, garage 
or driveway except slowly and under control of the 
driver who shall give a proper warning by voice or 
signaling device to passing vehicles and pedestrians. 

EXPLANATION 

The object of the law as quoted in this 
section is clearly defined. Drivers should use 
every precaution on emerging from a garage, 
driveway, etc., to notify drivers and pedes¬ 
trians of their approach, by proper signals 
through blowing of horn or otherwise. 


42 






















SECTION OF LAW 


No vehicle ishall stop with its left side to the curb, 
except in such streets as may be designated as one-way 
traffic streets and where road excavation or other legal¬ 
ized obstruction prevent the operation of this regulation. 


EXPLANATION 

This diagram gives a very clear illustra¬ 
tion of the meaning of this section. It shows 
right and wrong way for parking. All cars 
should be parked with their right side to the 
curb, except of course in one-way traffic 
streets or where there are road excavations 
or other legal obstructions. 


43 


















SECTION OF LAW 

The vehicle having the middle line of the highways 
on its left shall have the right of way. In meeting both 
vehicles shall keep to the right, so as to insure safe 
passage, and this zvithout regard to the middle line of 
the highway. Slowly moving vehicles must move as 
near to the curb as practicable; rapidly moving vehicles 
must occupy the space lying immediately next to and 
parallel with the middle of the highway. 


44 


















EXPLANATION 


Possibly the meaning of the foregoing sec¬ 
tion may be made a little clearer, and, to 
more forcibly bring it out, it might be well 
to quote an opinion of a Supreme Court. 

“Each individual has as good a right to 
be on the highway as any other individual, 
yet each must use this right in a reasonable 
manner so as to give a like reasonable use 
to any other. The rights are equal. Each 
must look out for meeting the other and by 
turning out in time, as the law prescribes, 
take care to avoid doing harm. One person 
may choose to go at a slow pace and he has 
a right so to go; another may choose to go 
at a faster pace and he has a right so to 
go. Yet each must exercise his right so as 
not to interfere with the other of his right. 
The one going fast may choose to turn out 
and go past the one choosing to go slow but 
must keep clear of him in doing it. The 
one choosing to go slow has the first right 
of way under such circumstances, he is not 
bound to look back or listen for the coming 
of another so as to make clear the way be¬ 
fore him, but if by keeping in his place he 
will stop the faster driver from passing him, 
when by turning aside without meeting ob¬ 
struction or danger in doing so, he is bound 
to do so on being asked to.” 


45 



SECTION OF LAW 

Upon approaching a bridge or in passing a public 
hospital, fire house or a school, the driver of any 
vehicle or street surface car shall proceed with extreme 
care and with vehicle or street surface car under con¬ 
trol, provided local authorities have legible and visible 
signs posted, warning drivers of their approach to a 
bridge, fire house, public hospital or school building. 

46 

































EXPLANATION 




In taking up this section it may be well to 
say the law requires that drivers at all times 
should use extreme caution in approaching 
a bridge, slowing down to a speed that should 
permit them pass in safety. Particular at¬ 
tention should be paid at all times on ap¬ 
proaching a fire house to slow down, for 
should an alarm of fire be sounded it is very 
important that the street in front of, and in 
the vicinity be clear, to allow the fire engines 
to proceed on their way without interference. 

It is well for drivers of vehicles to bear in 
mind the necessity of not making unneces¬ 
sary noises when passing a hospital or hos¬ 
pital zone. 

Much may be said on the question of 
school safety zones as shown in diagram, but 
there is one particular point that I would 
like to convey to the drivers of vehicles and 
that is, absolute protection should be af¬ 
forded to children on entering and leaving 
school houses, and above all things unneces¬ 
sary chances should not be taken at a school 
crossing but every precaution should be 
taken to protect the children. 


47 


SECTION OF LAW 

Except by order of a member of the police force in 
the discharge of his duty, street cars shall have the right 
of way between cross streets over all other vehicles. 

EXPLANATION 

It might be well to say a few words in re¬ 
lation to section quoted above. Drivers of 
vehicles should at all times be careful in ap¬ 
proaching intersecting streets where street 
surface cars are operating, as such street 
surface cars have the right of way between 
cross streets, unless otherwise directed by a 
traffic officer. 



































SECTION OF LAW 

The driver of any vehicle proceeding upon the tracks 
in front of a street car shall turn out as soon as pos¬ 
sible upon signal of the operator of the street car. 


EXPLANATION 

No doubt should exist in the minds of driv¬ 
ers of vehicles as to the meaning of this 
particular section of law. It is the driver's 
duty when driving on street car tracks, upon 
proper signal from the motorman to turn 
out and give clearance for the car to pass. 


49 
































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SECTION OF LAW 


Before turning to the right or left, and except in 
an emergency, before decreasing speed or stopping the 
driver shall imrn those follozving either by holding his 
arm straight out, horizontal and at right angles to the 
car, or by operating an adequate mechanical signal 
device. 


EXPLANATION 

In relation to this section on signals, it is 
a most important law, and one that all driv¬ 
ers should be very careful to observe. There 
is nothing that will result more quickly in 
an accident than failure to give proper sig¬ 
nals. A great many and often times fatal 
accidents are caused as described in the dia¬ 
gram, by the driver of a vehicle not properly 
signaling his intention of pulling out from 
the curb. 

The driver of a vehicle approaching from 
the rear has no knowledge of the intention 
of the driver at the curb, unless the driver 
at the curb indicates his intention by signal¬ 
ing. He should exercise proper care and 
caution carefully watching for any approach 
of another vehicle. 

Most violations under this section are due 
to carelessness and it is surprising the num¬ 
ber of accidents caused by failure to give 
proper signals. 

This is only one of the many ways this law 
may be violated and I have gone more into 
detail in a special article on pages 74 and 75. 


51 




i 





1 


52 































































































SECTION OF LAW 


Reckless driving shall include driving or using a 
vehicle or street surface car or any appliance or acces¬ 
sory thereof, in a manner which unnecessarily interferes 
with the proper use of the highway or unnecessarily 
endangers the users of the highway. 


EXPLANATION 

One of the forms of reckless driving is 
clearly defined in the preceding diagram, con¬ 
stituting an improper use of a public high¬ 
way. It very often occurs, especially on state 
highways where the width of the highway 
will only permit the passing of two vehicles 
that a driver will often leave the line of 
traffic and attempt to pass a car or cars in 
front of him when there is traffic approach¬ 
ing from the opposite direction, with not 
sufficient clearance to pass. This often re¬ 
sults in accident or the driver being com¬ 
pelled to take his position back in the line to 
permit the proper use of the highway to 
other vehicles. This is a dangerous practice 
and should never be resorted to unless the 
driver is absolutely sure he has sufficient 
room to pass before he attempts it. 


53 




















































































SECTION OF LAW 

Upon approaching a pedestrian who is on the traveled 
part of any street and not upon a sidewalk, and upon 
approaching an intersecting street or a curve or a cor¬ 
ner in the street where the driver’s viezv is obstructed 
and where a traffic officer is not on duty, every driver of 
a vehicle shall slow dozen the same and give a timely 
and sufficient sigtial with his voice, horn or other 
signaling device. 


EXPLANATION 

The law as quoted in this section is a very 
important one, inasmuch as it refers to the 
safety of pedestrians passing in the traveled 
part of the street. It is the duty of every 
driver where there is no traffic officer, to be 
extremely careful on approaching any street 
intersection. The pedestrian is entitled to 
safe passage across any street and in cases 
where there is no traffic officer stationed, the 
driver of a vehicle should use proper care and 
slow down, affording the pedestrian a safe 
passage across. In approaching an intersect¬ 
ing street where the view of the driver is ob¬ 
structed by a building, fence, wall, etc., he 
should slow down the speed of his vehicle 
and shall sound his bell, horn or other device 
for signaling in such a manner to give notice 
and warning of his approach. 


55 










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SECTION OF LAW 


Except at parking spaces or when authorised so to 
do by ordinance or regulation no vehicle shall remain 
backed to the curb except it be actually loading or un¬ 
loading and then for no longer time than the actual 
loading and unloading reasonably requires. 


EXPLANATION 

The law as quoted in this section is for the 
most part covered by special ordinances 
adopted for the different localities in a town 
or city. There are some streets in those 
localities where there are no regulations of 
any kind in force. Where there are no reg¬ 
ulations it is permitted to back a vehicle into 
the curb but only for the actual time neces¬ 
sary for loading and unloading. It very 
often happens, through the indifference of 
some drivers in backing their vehicles into 
the curb, for the purpose of loading or un¬ 
loading and then leaving the vehicles stand¬ 
ing there, traffic is seriously interfered 
with. 


57 

















I 


58 












































































































































SECTION OF LAW 


No person shall fail, neglect or refuse to comply with 
any lawful instructions, directions or regulations, dis¬ 
played upon post, standard, sign or device installed or 
placed for the regulation, direction or instruction of 
traffic in any public street. 


EXPLANATION 

This section of law is important and one 
that is most frequently violated. It is as 
much the duty of the driver of a vehicle to 
obey any lawful instructions displayed upon 
any post, standard, sign or device, placed for 
the regulation of traffic as though a police 
officer is actually present directing traffic in 
person. Many drivers are indifferent to 
regulations displayed in this manner, and 
not only commit a violation, but in many 
cases get into trouble by not obeying the in¬ 
structions displayed. It is always safe to 
assume that when a sign is displayed calling 
attention to some regulation, public improve¬ 
ment or otherwise, that the sign is placed 
for no other reason than the convenience and 
safety of drivers of vehicles. 


59 






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SECTION OF LAW 


No vehicle shall be stopped in any street except close 
to the curb thereof, unless in case of emergency or to 
allow another vehicle, street surface car or pedestrian 
to cross its path. This regulation shall not be con¬ 
strued to prevent local officials designating portions of 
streets as parking spaces. 


EXPLANATION 

The intent as shown in this section should 
be construed as follows: No vehicle shall 
be stopped in any street unless close to the 
curb. This law is often violated by the 
driver of a vehicle stopping in the traveled 
part of the street to hold conversation with 
a pedestrian, entirely unmindful of the traf¬ 
fic conditions to his rear. Others leave their 
vehicle in the traveled part of a street to 
transact some business in the vicinity; 
others to receive or discharge passengers or 
occupants of a vehicle. Practices of this kind 
are not only bad but are serious obstructions 
to traffic and such practices should by all 
means be discouraged. The driver should 
at all times pull his vehicle into the curb and 
if unable to do so he should proceed to some 
place where he may safely pull into the curb. 


61 



SECTION OF LAW 

No person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle on 
the public highway unless such vehicle shall have a 
number plate conspicuously displayed, one on the front 
and one on the rear of such vehicle, each securely fas¬ 
tened so as to prevent the same from swinging. 


62 





















EXPLANATION 


It is quite obvious just what is intended 
by this section. State laws require the 
registration of motor vehicles and the dis¬ 
play of distinctive number plates. It is es¬ 
sential to the safety of the travelling public 
that the speed of such vehicles should be 
regulated and limited. It is necessary that 
the vehicle may be readily identified to deter 
the operator from violating the law and 
rights of others. The best method of identi¬ 
fication, both as to the vehicle and the owner 
or operator, is by number, conspicuously at¬ 
tached to the vehicle. In case of any viola¬ 
tion of the law this affords a means of iden¬ 
tification, for, from the number the-name of 
the owner may be readily ascertained and 
through him the operator. 

As illustrated in the drawing, this is one 
of the many ways by which plates are in¬ 
conspicuously placed on the vehicles. Plates 
should not be placed behind bumpers, tires, 
trunks, boxes or any other object on the 
vehicle that will obstruct it in any way 
thereby making it unreadable. There are 
many operators who are under the impres¬ 
sion, that if they have the license plates 
on the vehicle, regardless of where they are 
placed, they are fulfilling the requirements of 
the law; this is not the case as they must 
conspicuously display them, securely fastened 
to prevent them from swinging. 

63 









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64 
























































SECTION OF LAW 


No person shall operate or drive a motor vehicle on 
the public highways of this state unless such vehicle 
shall have a distinctive number assigned to it and a 
number plate issued with a number, and other identifi¬ 
cation matter if any, corresponding to that of the cer¬ 
tificate of registration conspicuously displayed, one on 
the front and one on the rear of such vehicle, each 
securely fastened so as to prevent the same from 
swinging. 


EXPLANATION 

It is important that owners of vehicles 
should at all times keep their license plates 
perfectly clean and distinct, so that they are 
easily readable. License plates are issued 
for the purpose of identification and it is 
only by complying- with those requirements 
that this object may be accomplished with 
any degree of success. It is a violation of 
this section t'o use a soiled, dirty or defaced 
license plate. Many drivers are very care¬ 
less as to the g-eneral conditions in which 
their vehicle is kept, especially as regards 
their license plates and it is of frequent oc¬ 
currence for drivers of vehicles to have plates 
on their car covered with mud or defaced 
in such a manner that it is a physical im¬ 
possibility to read the license number. 


65 



SECTION OF LAW 

No vehicle shall display the number plates of more 
than one state at a time, nor shall any plate be used 
other than those issued by the Motor Vehicle Bureau. 

EXPLANATION 

The intent of this section, namely to pro¬ 
hibit the display of two different license 
plates at the same time is for the purpose of 
establishing the identification of an owner 
or driver of a vehicle more readily. It is 
well to bear in mind that two different 
license plates should not be displayed at the 
same time and on the opposite page will be 
found a table of time allowance for the use 
of plates of other states. 


66 




























Laws of the Various States Regarding Time 
Allowed Automobiles Registered by and 
Displaying Plates of Another State. 


Alabama—Reciprocal 
Arizona—4 months 
Arkansas—90 days 
California—24 hours 

(Register with sheriff 90 
days free) 

Colorado—30 days 
Connecticut—15 days 
District of Columbia— 
Reciprocal 

I lelaware—Reciprocal 
Florida—-Reciprocal 
Georgia—30 days 
Idaho—Reciprocal 
Illinois—6 months 
Indiana—60 days 
Iowa—Reciprocal 
Kansas—60 days 
Kentucky—Reciprocal 
Louisiana—Reciprocal 
Maine—30 days 
Maryland— 90 flays 
Massachusetts-—Reciprocal 
Michigan—90 days 
Minnesota—10 days 

(Register with sheriff 90 
days free) 

Mississippi—30 days 
Missouri—90 days 
Montana— reciprocal 
Nebraska—30 days 


Nevada—90 days 
New Hampshire—20 days 
New Jersey—15 days 
New Mexico—30 days 
New York—Reciprocal 
North Carolina—60 days 
North Dakota—30 days 
Ohio—Reciprocal 
Oklahoma—60 days 
Ontario—21 days 
Oregon—30 days 
Pennsylvania—Reciprocal 
Quebec—90 days 

(Register upon arrival with 
motor vehicle bureau— 
no fee. 

Rhode Island-—Reciprocal 
South Carolina—30 days 
South Dakota—Reciprocal 
Tennessee—30 days 
Texas—30 days 
Utah—90 days 
V ermont—Reciprocal 
Virginia—Reciprocal 
Washington—90 days 
West Virginia—3 months 
Wisconsin—-Reciprocal 
Wyoming—90 days 
Porto Rico—-5 days 
The Panama Canal Zone, 

50 cents for 30 days. 


The above table is for the information of 
motorists showing the time allowed them in 
another state, without procuring license 
plates for that particular state. 


67 


LIGHTS 


SECTION OF LAW 

Every motor vehicle, driven or operated upon the 
public highivays of the state during the period from 
one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before 
sunrise, shall display when running at least two lighted 
lamps on the front, one on each side of equal power, 
not exceeding twenty-four candle power, the use of 
which on motor vehicles has been approved by the 
state motor vehicle commission, and one lighted lamp 
on the rear of such vehicle,. whidU. shall also display 
a red light visible from the rear. The rays of such rear 
light shall shine upon the number plate carried on the 
rear of such vehicle in such manner as to render the 
numerals thereon legible for at least fifty feet in the 
direction from which the vehicle is proceeding. The 
front lamps when lighted by electricity shall be so 
arranged, adjusted and operated, as to avoid dangerous 
glare or dazzle, and so that no dangerous or dazzling 
light projected to the left of the axis of the vehicle 
when measured seventy-live feet or more ahead of 
the lamps, shall rise above forty-two inches of the level 
surface on which the vehicle stands. They shall also 
give sufficient side illumination to reveal any person, 
vehicle or substantial object ten feet to both sides of 
such vehicle, at a point ten feet ahead of the lamps. 
If, in addition to headlights, any such motor vehicle is 
equipped with any auxiliary light, projecting device or 
devices, other than the rear light, such auxiliary lights 
shall be subject to all the restrictions of this section. 


68 


All front lights shall be visible at least two hundred 
and fifty feet in the direction in which the motor vehicle 
is proceeding, and, when the vehicle is proceeding on 
a street or highway not so lighted as to reveal any 
person, vehicle or substantial object on such street or 
highway straight ahead of such motor vehicle for a 
distance of at least two hundred feet, such front lights 
shall be sufficient to reveal any person, vehicle or sub¬ 
stantial object on the road straight ahead of such 
motor vehicle for a distance of at least two hundred 
feet. The front lamps when lighted otherwise than by 
electricity shall be so arranged, adjusted and operated 
as to avoid dangerous glare or dazzle, and shall also 
comply substantially with all the provisions of this sub¬ 
division with respect to electric lights and shall like¬ 
wise be subject to the approval of the state motor 
vehicle commission. 



69 





















EXPLANATION 

Vehicles driven or operated on the public 
highway, shall during the period from one- 
half hour after sunset to one-half hour before 
sunrise display two lighted lamps in front, 
one on each side and one lighted lamp on 
rear. The two lamps on front shall be visi¬ 
ble at least 250 feet in the direction in which 
the vehicle is proceeding. When the head¬ 
lights are used, more commonly known as the 
“bright lights” they shall be so arranged, ad¬ 
justed and operated as to avoid dangerous 
glare or dazzle. Bright lights should be used 
only on streets that are not sufficiently 
lighted and should reveal a substantial ob¬ 
ject 200 feet in front of the vehicle. Drivers 
of vehicles should be very cautious in using 
their bright lights and should be very care¬ 
ful that in using them the same will not in¬ 
terfere with other drivers approaching in 
the opposite direction. On some streets and 
highways that are of insufficient width and 
very poorly lighted the glare from a strong 
headlight is very dangerous to other drivers, 
especially when they are not properly fo¬ 
cused. In such cases they are even more 
dangerous than the bright lights that are 
properly focused as the glare may shine di¬ 
rectly in the eyes of an approaching driver, 
often times resulting in a collision. It is 
absolutely important that bright lights 
should be tested as to the proper focus, 
which test may be made by any driver or 


70 


operator as shown in the drawing, and by 
measuring a distance of seventy-five feet in 
front of the lamps it must show a light not 
more than forty-two inches in height, from 
the surface of the street. 

In the testing of lamps for illumination, 
which illumination must not be confused 
with bright light, they should answer the 
requirements as shown in the diagram, re¬ 
vealing an object ten feet on either side at 
a point ten feet to the front of the lamps. 

Dimmer lights must be used at all times 
unless proceeding under conditions described 
in that portion of article referring to poorly 
lighted streets, etc. 



71 




















It is a grave mistake on the part of a 
driver to operate a vehicle with only one 
front light, for in dark streets it is impos¬ 
sible for a driver approaching from the op¬ 
posite direction to know whether the light 
is on the right or left side of the vehicle. 
It is an important duty on the part of all 
drivers and operators to know at all times 
that their lights are on and properly lighted, 
as it not only insures his own safety but the 
safety of others. 

While standing, the law requires two lights 
in front and one in rear and it is a careless 
habit of some drivers to leave their vehicles 
parked in the street at all hours of the night 
without displaying the necessary lights. 


72 



SECTION OF LAW 

Every motor vehicle, driven or operated upon the 
public highways shall display one lighted lamp on the 
rear of such vehicle, which shall also display a red 
light visible from the rear. The rays of such rear 
lights shall shine upon the number plate carried on the 
rear of such vehicle in such manner as to render the 
numerals thereon legible for at least fifty feet in the 
direction from which the vehicle is proceeding. 

EXPLANATION 

This section of law is one that the drivers 
and owners of vehicles most commonly violate 
The law explicitly states that the rear light 
must be so arranged that the rays from 
same shall shine on the license plate so that 
the numbers shall be legible at a distance 
of fifty feet. 


73 


























SIGNALS 



Too much importance cannot be placed on 
the necessity of giving- and obeying proper 
signals. Especially is this so at intersections 
where traffic is heavy and as is often the case 
when a driver fails to properly obey a signal 
from the traffic officer the result is general 
confusion and sometimes an accident. The 
proper method for drivers to follow at inter¬ 
sections of this kind is well illustrated in 
the drawing shown here. He should at all 
times have his vehicle under control and be 
in a position, should he receive a signal from 
the traffic officer, to bring his vehicle to a 


74 































stop, at the same time plainly signifying his 
intention of doing so to vehicles following, 
by holding out his hand. 

It might be well to remind drivers that 
where a traffic officer is stationed and they 
wish to turn from one street to another, or 
change the course of their vehicle, they 
should signal to the officer, then point in 
the direction to which they intend going so 
that he may know just what they wish to 
do. 

Where no traffic officers are stationed, and 
a driver wishes to turn into another street 
he should never fail to signify his intention 
of doing so by signaling with his hand so 
that drivers will know of his intention. 

It cannot be impressed too strongly on the 
minds of some drivers that the traffic officer 
is at all times responsible for the regulation 
of traffic and the enforcement of its laws, 
that life and property may be protected and 
if drivers will conscientiously obey any sig¬ 
nal given by him or displayed from any 
stanchion or other device for the regulation 
of traffic it would very materially help traffic 
conditions and reduce the number of ac¬ 
cidents. 


75 







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IMPROPER LEFT HAND TURN 


76 















































































































































IMPROPER RIGHT HAND TURN 


77 















TURNING CORNERS 

It might be well at this point to say some¬ 
thing relative to the right and wrong way 
for making turns. All turns should be made 
in a sane and careful manner, the left turn 
beyond the center of the intersection, and 
the right turn at a proper degree of curva¬ 
ture and a speed that should assure the 
driver at all times, full control of his vehicle, 
thereby assuring protection to other drivers 
and pedestrians. 

We very often see drivers apparently in a 
great hurry, disregarding all traffic regula¬ 
tions, especially regulations relative to the 
turning of corners. 

In the drawings shown herewith, “Im¬ 
proper left hand turn” and “Improper right 
hand turn,” will give a vivid illustration of 
what may happen by improper turns of this 
kind. The driver unmindful of the safety of 
others, never for a moment stopping to think 
that a pedestrian may step from the curb, 
directly in the path of his machine or a ve¬ 
hicle that may be approaching from the oppo¬ 
site direction. 

Such turns and short cutting of corners 
never bring any good results and should by 
all means be discouraged. Drivers who are 
in the habit of making those kind of turns 
will find it just as easy to make the proper 
turn and in so doing will cause less anxiety 
and fewer accidents. 


78 



EXPLANATION 

Many times we find an entire disregard of 
traffic regulations such as is illustrated in the 
drawing, that of a driver commiting two dis¬ 
tinct and separate violations at the same 
time. In the first place the law is violated 
by the driver entirely disregarding the traf¬ 
fic standard, which distinctly says: “Keep 
to the right,” and in the second place he 
violates the law by making an improper left 
hand turn, causing an accident in which he 
is entirely responsible. This latter violation 
comes under the heading of reckless driv¬ 
ing, and there is no question as to where 
liability should be placed. 


79 







SPEEDING 

Speeding violations are by far in the ma¬ 
jority of Traffic Court cases. There are dif¬ 
ferent ways to violate the speeding laws and 
there are different kinds of speeders. There 
are different ways in which the traffic officers 
cope with the speed violaters in apprehend¬ 
ing him. 

The worst type of speeder and the one to 
cause the traffic officer the most trouble and 
anxiety is the driver who is possessed of 
a speed mania, who never seems to be able 
to stay within limits, “hitting it up” at every 
opportunity with no respect for the laws or 
the rights of others. He is always at his 
best on the open highway, dodging in and 
out of cars, with only one thought and one 
end in view, “speed.” This is the speeder 
local authorities, traffic officers and the court 
look upon as a wilful, law defying individual 
who should be punished. A high powered 
car in the hands of an individual of this 
description is a dangerous weapon. He 
should be kept off the highways, for not only 
is he a menace to himself but extremely 
more so to the law abiding, careful motorist 
and the unwary pedestrian. 

This type of speeder motorcycle officers 
are always on the lookout for and once they 
get on his trail his career in that locality is 
generally of short duration. The motorcycle 
officers are not at all anxious to be com¬ 
pelled to do from fifty to seventy miles an 


80 


hour trying to apprehend a speeder of this 
kind, and traveling at this rate of speed 
is rather an uncertain proposition, for in 
case of a blowout or break, it would mean 
to say at least, a very serious injury. 

There is not much that may be said in 
defense of the speeder who tries to beat the 
trolley car to the corner or before it comes 
to a stop, figuring he can save a few sec¬ 
onds, but very often losing hours in the at¬ 
tempt, being handed a summons for speeding 
or colliding with another car or pedestrian 
who may be in his path. 

Neither is there much that can be said 
in defense Of the speeder who fails to slow 
down in turning corners. This seems to 
be more or less a habit with some drivers, 
and the habit is an exceedingly dangerous 
one. Short cutting of corners always catches 
its victim off guard. At night especially is 
this bad on account of the low visibility of 
the machine and the pedestrian in many 
cases is not seen until too late to prevent 
an accident. 

The average person has no conception of 
the manner in which speeders are appre¬ 
hended and the time necessary to correctly 
clock them. It might be interesting to know 
how this is done and for the benefit of those 
who may be interested I will submit two 
tests on speed violations that I have made 
as follows: 


81 


A speeder averaging thirty miles an hour 
was trailed, accurately timed for one-eighth 
of a mile and the actual time consumed in 
trailing and apprehending him was forty 
seconds. A speeder also averaging forty 
miles an hour, was trailed accurately timed 
for one-eighth of a mile and the actual time 
consumed in trailing and apprehending him 
was one minute, and from the above tests 
it is easy to understand how quickly a 
speeder may be apprehended. 







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As speed laws for the most part, are regu¬ 
lated by local ordinances, it is interesting 
to note, how speed violations may occur 
turning corners and how traffic officers op¬ 
erate in apprehending such speeders. Note 
on the diagram, a street intersection with 
cross, marked on curb or sidewalk, indicat¬ 
ing distances between points. It is natural 
to assume that a vehicle in turning a corner 
should keep the same distance from the curb 
at all times, but this is only for the purpose 
of arriving at a basic principle for figuring. 
On this principle we will take the distances 
as shown in the diagram, 44 and 110 feet, 
and the time it takes to cover those distances 
at a certain rate of speed as shown by the 
following tables. 

Table showing the time necessary to travel 
44 feet around a corner at different rates of 
speed: 


Rate per 

Feet per 

Time in 

hour 

second 

seconds 

8 miles 

11.7 

3.7 

10 “ 

14.7 

2.9 

15 “ 

22.0 

2.0 

20 “ 

29.3 

1.5 

25 “ 

36.6 

1.2 

30 “ 

44.0 

1.0 


83 



Table showing the time necessary to travel 
110 feet around a corner at different rates 
of speed: 


Rate per 

Feet per 

Time in 

hour 

second 

seconds 

8 miles 

11.7 

9.4 

10 “ 

14.7 

7.5 

15 “ 

22.0 

5.0 

20 “ 

29.3 

3.7 

25 “ 

36.6 

3.0 

30 “ 

44.0 

2.5 


The figures given in the above tables are 
very interesting and it might be well to 
point out how easily the time may be re¬ 
duced in turning a corner as is shown in 
distance of 110 feet. If the proper turn is 
made, as shown between cross marks, the 
distance to be traveled is 110 feet, but should 
the turn be made as is shown in dotted line 
it would reduce the distance to be traveled 
to approximately 99 feet, a reduction from 
the proper turn of 11 feet. This is quite 
a difference, or a reduction oif 10% which 
would mean that the time consumed to nego¬ 
tiate the 99 instead of 110 feet, a reduction 
of 11 feet, would naturally increase the rate 
of speed per hour, as the shorter distance 
would be made in the shortest time, with the 
distance traveled, figured at the longer dis¬ 
tance of the proper turn, 110 feet. 

It is well for all drivers to remember, 
when turning corners, to make a proper turn 
and at a speed that is safe and regulated 
by law. 


84 



SECTION OF LAW 

A vehicle when loaded with any material extending 
at least four feet beyond its rear shall be provided with 
a red flag by day on the extreme rear end of such load. 

A motor truck or motor omnibus, when driven or 
operated upon a public highway, shall be equipped with 
a mirror or other reflecting device so adjusted that the 
operator, of such vehicle shall have a clear and full 
viezv of the road and condition of traffic behind such 
vehicle. 

EXPLANATION 

The sections as quoted above are self-ex¬ 
planatory, requiring drivers of commercial 
vehicles, omnibuses and in some states pleas¬ 
ure cars to be equipped with mirrors. Vehi¬ 
cles when loaded with any material extend¬ 
ing at elast four feet beyond its rear are 
required to display a red flag for the safety 
of vehicles following. 



































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SECTION OF LAW 


ACCIDENTS IN WHICH PROPERTY IS 
DAMAGED AND NO PERSON INJURED. 

If though the operation of your vehicle you have 
damaged another’s property of any description, and no 
person is injured, you must identify yourself, giving 
your name, address, and license number of car to party 
sustaining damage, and if you are unable to locate 
them, you must report the accident to a police officer 
in the vicinity and in case there is no police officer in 
the vicinity you must report the accident to the nearest 
police station or judicial officer. 

ACCIDENTS IN WHICH A PERSON 
IS INJURED. 

If through the operation of your vehicle you have • 
injured a person it becomes your duty to identify your¬ 
self, giving your name, address, and license number of 
car to the injured person, and to also report the acci¬ 
dent to a police officer in the vicinity of the accident, 
and in case there is no police officer in the vicinity, 
you must report the accident to the nearest police 
station or judicial officer. 


In accident cases liability is generally as¬ 
certained, depending on whether there is a 
violation of the traffic laws or not. In case 
of accident it is well to secure a description 
of the same, with measurements and gen¬ 
eral information, as is shown in diagram 
above and accident blank on following page. 


87 


Date . 


Place of accident. . 

Owner . 

Address, street ... 

City or town. 

License No. of car 

Make of car. 

Type of car. 

Name of operator 
Address, street ... 

City or town. 

Witness . 


Remarks 


88 





















This diagram was prepared for the pur¬ 
pose of illustrating the proper procedure in 
reparing to make a right or left hand turn 
in thoroughfares where the traffic is very 
heavy. As illustrated in the diagram, where 
the driver wishes to make a right or left 
hand turn, he should allow himself ample 
time to weave into a proper position before 
arriving at the point of turning. In the case 
of a left hand turn, note that the turn is 
made in front of the traffic officer and at his 
direction. 


89 





















SECTION OF LAW 

Every motor vehicle operated or driven upon the 
public highways of the state, shall be provided with 
adequate brakes and steering mechanism in good work¬ 
ing order and siofficient to control such vehicle at all 
times when the same is in use, and a suitable and 
adequate horn or other device for signalling, which 
horn or device shall produce a sound sufficiently loud 
to serve as a danger warning, but shall not be used 
other than as a reasonable warning nor be unnecessarily 
loud or harsh. Every such motor vehicle, also, shall 
have a suitable muffler or device to prevent unnecessary 
noise from exhaust gases, and the use of so-called 
“cutouts” is prohibited. 

EXPLANATION 

It is expedient for the drivers of vehicles 
to have their brakes in good working order 
at all times. In doing this they are guar¬ 
anteeing their own safety and the safety of 
others. Many bad accidents have occurred 
through the failure of drivers to keep their 
brakes in good working order and too much 
precaution cannot be taken in this respect. 
The old adage of, “An ounce of prevention is 
worth a pound of cure” may be well applied 
in this particular case. 

It is well for drivers to know that there 
is a law which subjects his vehicle to an 
examination at any time as- regards his 
brakes or other mechanism and it is his duty 
to carefully examine the same, making sure 
that all are in good working order as cov¬ 
ered in the foregoing section. 


90 


DISTANCE IN WHICH YOUR CAR SHOULD STOP-IF YOUR BRAKES ARE RIGHT 

MILES PER HOUR 


























































































































































My object in publishing this book is for 
the purpose of aiding and advising the mo¬ 
torist and driver on how to overcome some 
of the problems on traffic violations. It is 
not intended to reflect in any way on any 
particular individual or class of individuals. 
I have gone to considerable pains to cover 
all important phases of the traffic laws and 
trust its readers will accept it in the spirit 
in which it is intended, “to help the Motor¬ 
ist to keep out of traffic court.” 

Note:—T o avoid confusion and misun¬ 
derstanding. I have in the foregoing pages, 
always used the word “driver” and intended 
it to apply to the operator of the vehicle 
whether he is the owner, operator, chauffeur 
or a driver of a horse-drawn vehicle. 


Lieut. Andrew J. Thompson. 






































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